Do You Own an Income Property? Here Are Four Tips for Finding Great Tenants

Trusting another individual with your property can be nerve-wracking because it’s difficult to gauge how well they’ll care for their home from a viewing and rental application alone. However, there are several steps you can take to help ensure that you select responsible tenants that will take good care for your property while they live there.

1. Make Your Home Desirable

When creating your rental listing, show your property at its absolute best and list its attractive features. The listing should be well written with proper capitalization and full sentences, even if it’s only going on Craigslist. Include plenty of photos that are staged nicely to show the full potential of the home both inside and out.

If you want the best applicants, strive to be the best property! You need to attract tenants who are looking for a home rather than a crash pad.

2. Have A Thorough Application Process

Don’t be afraid to ask for in-depth information from your applicants. The more you know about them the more you can assess what kind of a tenant they’ll be. An application should ask for:

– full name
– the applicant’s job & their supervisor
– their income
– current address
– government identification (i.e. a photocopy of their driver’s license)
– next of kin or an emergency contact
– previous landlord references
– any additional info you think is necessary

3. Check References

One of the most important things you can do when choosing a tenant is check their references. At least one reference should be a past landlord, and it’s great to contact a current employer as well. Favor applicants who can prove they’ve been a good renter in the past and who seem to have reliable employment.

When calling references have a prepared list of questions. For past landlords you’ll want to ask about their cleanliness, if there was any damage to the property, noise complaints, or missed rent. When speaking to an employer, make sure to ask how long they’ve been working there, whether they’re a reliable worker, whether they’re respectful, and if they can see them continuing to work there for the long-term.

4. Meet Them!

Always meet potential tenants in person. See if they have a pleasant demeanor, if they’re easy to talk to and are polite to you, and whether they seem to take care of themselves. Trust your gut, if you have a bad feeling about someone then it may be best to keep looking.

Need more advice on income properties? Give me a call today – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

2809 N 70th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85257

$575,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,217 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768285

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

VOTED BEST OUTDOOR SPACE-Scottsdale Tour! Where artistic design and nature combine. Large front and backyard with mature, low maintenance, desert acclimated flowering plants. Tasteful artistic design add to the serenity of the home. New roof, exterior paint, and natural gas heater/AC unit this year. Newer natural gas tankless water heater keeps utility costs to a minimum. Ready to move in and enjoy but plenty of space to add on should you desire.

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1844 W Virginia Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85007

$575,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,750 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770895

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Charming 3-bed, 2-bath Home backed up to the beautiful Encanto Golf Course, this home offers breathtaking views! With new Anderson windows and a sliding door, plus custom stonework inside and out, this house blends elegance with durability. The AC system is only 2-3 years old and comes with a premium dust-collecting filter, an upgrade valued at $1,250. The kitchen floor is finished with luxurious Colorado stone, New dishwasher and washer ready to go. The property features beautiful landscaping, a large garage that fits both a sedan and a truck. New electrical box. All the fascia and soffits are covered, so you'll never need to repaint. Enjoy energy efficiency with awnings on all windows, and the monthly electric bill is just $168 for this all-electric home. Don't miss this opportunity!!!

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624 Leisure World -- Mesa, AZ 85206

$575,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,269 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782156

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful home on the lake. Large open floor plan, lake views from the entrance. Two great patios for entertaining. Large 2 car garage as well as an additional door for your golf cart. Located in a quiet cul-de -sac in a central spot in Leisure World. This community is a safe, fun and clean place to live in full time or for your winter get away. All this in the Premiere Active Adult Community of Leisure World with 36 holes of private golf, new tennis complex, pickle ball, swimming pools, library, state of the art fitness center, theater, arts and crafts, billiard room, and much more!

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8143 E Obispo Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$575,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,516 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774113

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Move in ready home in a super convenient location! Convenient floor plan with ample living space and large bedrooms w/ walk in closets. NEW Interior paint. Wood plank tile flooring and modern fixtures. Kitchen features granite counters, newer cabinets, custom tile backsplash, and stainless steel appliances. Bathrooms updated with custom tile showers, vanities, toilets, tile accents, and lighting fixtures. Lots of storage and indoor laundry room with large pantry. French doors lead to the spacious low maintenance grassy backyard with pool and covered patio & RV gate. Playset conveys with property. 1 New AC unit! Community park is 2 doors down. Did I mention the private pool? 2 doors down from a community park

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22850 E Calle Luna -- Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$575,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,311 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779462

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful one level 5 bedroom 3 bathroom home located in Meridian community which features a community park walking paths and community pool. Upgraded kitchen featuring stunning cabinetry granite counters mosaic backsplash black/stainless steel appliances gas range and a spacious island that fits 4 barstools & large pantry. Kitchen opens to the dining area & great room. Home has high ceilings tile flooring and recessed lighting throughout. The great room has a sliding glass doors leading to private backyard, plumbed with a gas line for outdoor cooking/barbecuing. Low maintenance front & backyard with paver boarders & paver walk path. 2 front side gates. Primary bedroom has walk in closet and walk in shower 2nd bedroom has private bathroom. Home has reverse osmosis and a water softener.

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27602 N Denver Hill Drive Wittmann, AZ 85361

$575,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,278 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778733

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your private desert retreat! A home that offers not just comfort and space, but a true sense of community in a peaceful neighborhood. Set on a quiet dirt road, this property is surrounded by friendly, welcoming neighbors and picturesque land with expansive mountain views. Both levels provide a cozy, private flow between the separate rooms. Designed to accommodate a range of outdoor interests, this property is ready for whatever you envision—from horseback riding, gardening, ATV trails, and more. An RV station with power and water hookups ensures guests can comfortably share in the beauty of this property. Located only 30 minutes from Wickenburg, and 20 minutes from Surprise, this home offers the perfect balance of rural living, without being a far drive from the city.

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905 S Canal Drive Unit 17 Chandler, AZ 85225

$575,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,092 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779711

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Home Sweet Home! Discover the charm of this beautiful 3-bed, 2.5-bath townhouse in Mission Crossing at Chandler Ranch! This Home exudes elegance with modern light fixtures, neutral paint, tons of natural light, and wood-look tile flooring w/plush carpet in all the right places. You'll LOVE the spacious, perfectly flowing open layout! The impressive kitchen boasts black SS appliances, quartz counters, a pantry, ample white cabinetry, & a large island w/breakfast bar. There is an ample storage room under the stairs! All bedrooms await upstairs, along with a versatile loft. Main bedroom has an ensuite with dual sinks & a walk-in closet. Outback, you have a covered patio, artificial turf, & well-laid pavers. Community Pickleball Court is right next door! Move-in ready!

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16848 W Alice Avenue Waddell, AZ 85355

$575,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,017 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784462

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Northern Farms! This 4Bed+Den/3Bath/3,017sqft home has everything you need & is less than 2 years old! Upon entering, you're greeted by a bright & open floorplan which blends contemporary style w/ modern finishes throughout! Custom stair railings open the space & custom barn doors give it a warm feel. Fire up the built-in electric fireplace on those cool winter nights. Celebrate holiday cooking in the modern kitchen complete w/ quartz countertops & stainless-steel appliances. Custom gazebo w/firepit bench & artificial turf is ready for entertaining & no neighbors behind gives you ultimate privacy. Massive upstairs loft is your perfect game or theatre room. Conveniently located right off of the 303 & Northern. Don't miss your chance to own your dream home today!

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4512 W Suncup Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$575,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,345 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783153

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Look no further! This beautiful 4 bed, 3 bath residence in San Tan Ridge is for you! Charming curb appeal, an easy-care front yard, and a 2 car garage are just the beginning. Come inside to discover a spacious open floor plan w/elegant wood-look flooring and neutral palette throughout. Prepare delicious meals in this gourmet kitchen, comprised of wood cabinetry w/crown moulding, a walk-in pantry, granite counters, subway tile backsplash, SS appliances, and an island w/a breakfast bar. You'll love the primary bedroom, boasting soft carpet, a walk-in closet, and a lavish ensuite w/dual sinks. Don't forget about the cozy den, ideal for an office or reading nook! Lastly, the expansive backyard w/its covered patio, is a blank canvas just waiting for you personal touch! Don't miss out!

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33231 N 43rd Street Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$575,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,511 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6785534

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover your dream home in the prestigious gated community of Dove Valley Ranch! Beautifully upgraded single-level property features a desirable great-room floor plan with a split owner's suite, vaulted ceilings, plantation shutters, 5-inch baseboards, and stunning wood-look tile flooring. A brand-new HVAC system ensures year-round comfort.Open kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, a pantry, a breakfast bar, and an elegant subway marble tile backsplash. Both bathrooms have been thoughtfully updated with granite countertops, under-mount sinks, framed mirrors, and new lighting fixtures. The master bath is a true retreat, featuring custom tile work, an expanded layout, and a frameless glass shower. Step outside to your private, low-maintenance backyard overlooking serene NAOS land no homes behind. The tranquil setting is perfect for relaxation and outdoor enjoyment. Conveniently located near shopping, restaurants, and the Dove Valley Ranch Golf Club, this home truly has it all!

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10312 N 58th Lane Glendale, AZ 85302

$575,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,286 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783627

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Wow Location! What a GEM! Tastefully updated last 2022, this gorgeous home with POOL will surely impress you. 4beds, 2 baths, low-care landscape, and a 3-car garage w/cabinets. The fabulous interior boasts vaulted ceilings, neutral paint, recessed lighting, archways, and wood-look floors t/out. You'll LOVE the formal living/dining room and the open-concept family room w/fireplace! The surround sound is a plus. The spotless kitchen has SS appliances, quartz counters/backsplash, ample white cabinetry, a walk-in pantry, and a waterfall island w/breakfast bar. The double-door main bedroom offers outdoor access and an ensuite with a soaking tub, dual sinks, & a walk-in closet. Enjoy the entertainer's backyard with a covered patio, artificial turf, well-laid pavers, & a fenced pool! Just Wow,

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15002 W Blue Verde Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$575,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,825 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6785005

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful Ventana model on hole 9 of Trail Ridge Golf course with Pool! Views of 3 fairways and the mountains! Landscape and pool area/patio meticulously designed. Home has 2 Bedrooms each with a bath ensuite. Enter the home to the beautiful views with a great room and office/sitting area. Kitchen has a large center island, gas stove top, upgrade refrigerator, wall oven and microwave that adjoins the family room. Powder Room for easy guest/pool access. Large finished laundry room with office. Wood Armoire in laundry room stays with home. Luxury vinyl flooring, New Roof, newly painted and finished driveway and garage flooring! Don't miss this opportunity!

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